Lakeside Christian
At a glance
Coach: James Coffman (13th season)
Class: Sunshine State Conference/Coastal District (eight-man)
Last year: 7-2 (lost in state semifinals)
Key players: QB/DB James Jackson, Jr.; C Eason Lanier, Sr.; RB/LB Bradley McLane, Sr.; RB/TE/LB Nick Rivera, Sr.; K Antonio Soriano, Sr.
Schedule
Sept. 4 at Gainesville Oak Hall L 24-30
Sept. 12 at Real Life Christian Academy
Sept. 18 at Canterbury
Sept. 25 at Oasis Christian
Oct. 2 vs. Real Life Christian Academy
Things to know
Powerful motivator
Lakeside Christian made it to the state semifinals for the first in eight-man football last season. The Lions had a pass just missed off the fingertips of a receiver in the end zone on the final play in a 32-28 loss to Harvest Community. The painful memories of that loss served a motivator this offseason. “They all remember how that felt and want to get back to take that next step,” Lions coach James Coffman said.
Super seniors
Lakeside has four returnees — center Eason Lanier, running back/linebacker Bradley McLane, running back/tight end/linebacker Nick Rivera and kicker Antonio Soriano — who are all seniors and played since they were freshmen. Lanier, McLane and Rivera were all named captains, along with James Jackson, a junior who is taking over at quarterback this season.